Here’s how much I enjoy traveling: I joke with people that if wanderlust was a disease, I would have a chronic condition.
I was excited to learn when applying for MBA programs that the University of South Carolina has consistently been ranked one of the top international business schools in the country for decades. Who knew Columbia had so many global connections!? And there is a plethora of study abroad options for graduate students through the Moore School’s Office of International Activities.
Do you want to take a photo on your iPhone while scaling the Great Wall of China and then meet the Apple territory product manager? Want to explore the Zambian safari one day and the next day meet representatives of USAID to discuss economic developmental projects in Africa? Want to visit a company that produces jet airliners and then fly on an Embraer from Sao Paulo to Rio de Janeiro?
Those are some of the many opportunities the Professional MBA program has offered over the past several years.
Yes, there is a financial commitment involved, and it might be a challenge to arrange your schedule to take a week off from work. No, it is not a vacation; you will have homework after the trip concludes. Nonetheless, if you are willing and able, I highly encourage you to consider one of the short-term study abroad experiences the Professional MBA program offers. The 2022 slate includes a Maymester trip to southern France and Switzerland.
As I’m writing this reflection, I’m ecstatic. I placed my deposit for one of the aforementioned trips before I headed home for Thanksgiving. Until we depart, I guess I’ll stare at pictures of the Bolshoi Theatre or Peterhof Palace until I see them in person — and bonus points if you know where I’m going without Googling.
-Kyle Radtke
'23 MBA candidate
Currently a financial reporting risk consultant for Wells Fargo